ICYMI – Arizona’s Family Highlights Rep. Crane’s Bill to Fast-Track Grand Canyon Recovery

On Friday, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, which would expedite the rebuild of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon by streamlining the federal contracting process.

Currently, the legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Tom Tiffany (R-WI). Additionally, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors supports this bill.

The following article was released by Arizona's Family on October 9, 2025:

A bill announced Thursday by an Arizona congressman could help expedite the rebuilding of Grand Canyon's North Rim infrastructure destroyed in the Dragon Bravo Fire.

Rep. Eli Crane, a Republican who represents much of northern Arizona, announced that he is introducing the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, which would expedite the rebuild of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon by streamlining the federal contracting process.

The proposed bill would grant the National Park Service (NPS) emergency contracting authority to bypass standard delays and accelerate the renewal, according to a statement from Rep. Crane's office.

The legislation covers all fire-related recovery efforts, including forest management, maintenance, rebuilding, and infrastructure improvements. It would also require the NPS to submit a full-scoping report to Congress every 180 days.

Lightning sparked the Dragon Bravo Fire on the evening of July 4, which continued to grow larger and eventually grew to approximately 145,000 acres, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in Arizona history.

The fire severely damaged or destroyed 106 buildings, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, according to a report issued in early September. Approximately 1,000 feet of the 3,300-foot water pipeline was also damaged before it was officially announced to be 100% contained on Sept. 29.

While the North Rim remains partially closed due to the damage, Rep. Crane said it brings an "opportunity to rebuild stronger and better than before."

"While the Dragon Bravo Fire dealt a setback for Northern Arizona, we won't let this tragedy define our future. We have an opportunity to rebuild stronger and better than before, and we can't let unnecessary regulations get in the way," said Rep. Crane. "This legislation paves the way for an efficient recovery, and I'm grateful for the bipartisan support on this approach. I also want to thank our heroic firefighters and first responders who brought the fire to full containment, as well as the local leaders in Coconino County who are committed to restoring this treasured place."

"Coconino County supports the North Rim Restoration Act, which gives the National Park Service the ability to respond swiftly and thoughtfully, not only to rebuild the physical structures, but to restore the enduring spirit of the Grand Canyon's North Rim. We are deeply grateful to Representative Crane for championing this legislation and recognizing the devastation caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire and the heartbreaking loss for everyone who treasures this extraordinary place," said the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.